Shouted Antisemitic Remarks, Tried to Start Fighting with Congregants
A Queens man was sentenced to 60 days in jail for attempting to start fights with worshippers outside of a Cedarhurst synagogue and making antisemitic remarks toward them, and later threatening and spitting in the face of another victim.
Alvin Tirado, 38, of Far Rockaway, pleaded guilty before Judge Anthony Paradiso on November 25, 2024, to aggravated harassment PL 240.30(3) (a Class A misdemeanor), a subsection specifically designed to address hate crimes.
On October 4, 2024, at around 1:20 p.m., Tirado was driving his vehicle near the intersection of Lincoln Street and Oakland Avenue in Cedarhurst when he stopped, got out of his vehicle, and got into a verbal argument with a group of people that had recently left Shaare Emunah, Sephardic Congregation of The Five Towns.
Tirado became aggressive, clenching his fists and attempted to fight multiple people while screaming antisemitic remarks, including “the Jews are taking over” and “I know this building; I’m going to run all the children over.” He then drove away, nearly hitting a man and his children.
About 20 minutes later, at 1:40 p.m., Tirado stopped his car in Lawrence, near the intersection of Barrett Road and Washington Avenue, exited his vehicle, and approached another victim. Tirado shoved the victim, exclaiming remarks such as “I am going to knock you out” and “I am going to kill you.” He then spat in the victim’s face.
Tirado was arrested on October 4, 2024, in Far Rockaway by members of the Nassau County Police Department. Upon his arrest, Tirado became physically aggressive, driving his shoulder into the arresting officer’s ribs.
On January 22, Tirado received a 60-day jail sentence, with three years’ probation.
“Hate-fueled behavior and violence have no place in Nassau County. Every resident should feel safe, especially near places of worship and community,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “This defendant’s vile actions – targeting individuals with antisemitic remarks and harassing them during one of Judaism’s holiest periods of the year – are unacceptable. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting members of the Jewish community from harm.”